-  Touchless Voice Recognition for easier use of key T Map functions such as route searching, guidance, route changing
    and ending guidance simply by speaking
-   More user-friendly features like Time Machine Scheduler and Pop-up SMS. More to come in July including
     T Map Car Management 2.0 and Guidance by Stars
-   ‘Handles’ for free route guidance available for KT and LGU+ subscribers using T Map K/U


Seoul, Korea, July 1, 2013—SK Planet today announced the release of T Map update package with powerful new features like
voice command, which allows users to navigate T Map simply by talking without touching. 
 
The latest version of the most favored mobile navigation app in Korea, T Map 4.1 has more advanced features that are easy to use
and more effective in assisting the driver.
 
The crowning addition to the T Map 4.1 is Touchless Voice Recognition, which lets the driver use T Map just by speaking to
it without employing his fingers. Some forty commonly used commands such as ‘search route’, ‘start guidance’, ‘change route’
and ‘stop guidance’ have been programmed so that a driver only has to say them to have the app perform the desired task.  
 
To turn on the voice recognition mode, the driver has to call out ‘T Map’ or ‘Navigation’ at any phase after turning on the app.
The driver then has to say the command within three seconds of activating the voice recognition mode in order to have
it performed. For instance, if the driver turns on T Map and says, “T Map, home,” then the app will start guiding the driver to
the home address that had been stored in advance.  
 
Touchless Voice Recognition is also useful when selecting from a list of options on the search screen, changing the map
size, adjusting the volume and turning on Google voice search to name a few. With Touchless Voice Recognition, T Map
delivers an ease of use like no other GPS navigation app.
 
Another smart addition is the Time Machine Scheduler, which is a combination of the scheduler and T Map’s very own
Time Machine feature, which gives departure and arrival times on a real-time basis. If the user inputs the occasion and
venue in advance, the Time Machine Scheduler will calculate the optimal departure time based on T Map’s excellent
traffic forecast data and set off an alarm in advance to advise the user to depart at the recommended time.
 
A feature that will be welcomed by many T Map drivers is the Pop-up SMS, which displays text messages received
on the T Map screen, eliminating the need to switch in and out of it while driving. Other improvements include Head Up
Display (HUD), Scheduled Map Download and Road Sign Voice Streaming.
 
SK Planet has other services in the development pipeline for greater user satisfaction. In July, the company plans to launch
T Map Car Management 2.0, which keeps track of gas usage based on the SMS messages received when buying gas and
the distance travelled to calculate fuel economy. In addition, T Map users will soon be able to enjoy basic information in the
voice of their favorite stars.
 
“After launching T Map 4.0 at the end of last year we listened to our customers and concentrated on improving the user experience.
This update is a big breakthrough that allows users to control T Map simply by voice,” said Kim Hoo-jong, Head of SK Planet’s
LBS Business Division. “T Map will continue analyzing the enormous data from 17 million customers to deliver new innovations and
updates as Korea’s number one mobile navigation app.”
 
KT and LG U+ users of T Map K/U who have not bought subscription will be given a chance to try out T Map’s quick and
accurate route finding feature free of charge.
 
When the user first installs T Map K/U or invites a friend to try it out, he or she is given a voucher called ‘handle’ for access to route
search service for free. It is also possible to invite friends on one’s contact list and give each a ‘handle’ as a gift. Each handle grants
one route guidance for free. There is also a ‘Refill Handles’ link that one can tap to be directed to free app download or B2B
partnership events to get more handles as reward for participation. This will be a great opportunity for a wider group of smart
device users to experience the benefits of T Map without worrying about the bill.